Specialization in science

In 2007, the Rathenau Institute published a detailed study of developments within public research funding between 1975 and 2005.Much has changed in the world of research funding in past decades. One significant factor has been the emergence of the large-scale research programmes.

A follow-up study is now in progress to update the 2007 report.

In the Netherlands, as in other small countries, a main science policy objective is to create sufficient critical mass of research in strategic areas. Often, it is unclear whether such policies are successful. The aim of the project is to analyse specialization patterns in science and technology for the Netherlands and other countries. We have developed a methodology for such specialization patterns which allows to compare international strengths and weaknesses of countries.